Total Pro Sports – Introducing the Total Pro Sports Mock Draft, version 5.0. Many changes have occurred in the first three rounds as a result of the recent scouting combine, pro days, free agency, and other off-season transactions. With free agency still fully underway, you can expect frequent changes in the coming weeks as team needs change.

It is our intention to add more, more, MORE to this section as the draft approaches, making TPS your one stop shop for draft analysis. Changing team needs, player workout results, in-depth film study, character assessments, and all the other “measurables” play significant roles in where players are drafted. As new information becomes available, watch as players move up or down the draft board, possibly landing on your favorite team’s roster.

Leave your comments or questions below and share your thoughts with us, as well as other NFL fans around the globe. I will respond to as many questions and comments as I can, so check back often. Let’s talk talent!

Best Case – Refers to a player’s “up-side”. My view of what a player is likely to become in the NFL, in terms of production or equivalent talent, assuming that he reaches his full potential.

Worst Case – Refers to a player’s “down-side” or “bust” potential. If you find a great NFL player’s name used to describe a draftee’s worst case scenario, then I am not concerned about a bust possibility, as is the case with Knowshon Moreno.

(Best Case/Worst Case are used only in the first round)

Lets take a look at the 2009 Mock NFL Draft: 5.0

Round 1

Pos

Team

Player

Comments

Best Case/Worst Case

Change

1

Jason Smith, Baylor, OT

Recent off-season moves has made it less likely that the Lions will draft a QB number one. Smith is the most talented left tackle in the draft.

B- Walter Jones

W-D’Brickeshaw Furgeson

1

2

Eugene Monroe, Virginia, OT

A top heavy class of tackles allows the Rams to select the franchise left tackle to replace aging, and often injured, Orlando Pace.

B- Tony Boselli

W-Chris Samuels

4

3

Aaron Curry, Wake Forest, OLB

With Cassel now a Chief, KC is able to take the top defender in the draft. Curry is one of the most talented football players I’ve ever seen–PERIOD.

B- Demarcus Ware

W-Julian Peterson

-

4

Matt Stafford, Georgia, QB

Hasselbeck’s days in Seattle are numbered. New coach drafts new quarterback. What else is new? This is ideal for the young Stafford, giving him much needed time to develop.

B- Jay Cutler

W- Kyle Boller

3

5

Brian Orakpo, Texas, OLB

An explosive pass rusher who could produce ten plus sacks as a rookie. A no brainer for a team that needs a lot of help.

Pure speed and agility! The Bears need a true number one receiver with speed. Maclin fits that description better than anyone on the board. DE Robert Ayers is another possibility.

B- Chad Johnson

W-Devin Hester

8

19

Knowshon Moreno, Georgia, RB

The new regime in Tampa is committed to building an explosive offense. Moreno will be productive immediately in this new, more open, offense. Should go sooner, via trade.

B- LaDainian Tomlinson

W-Brian Westbrook

8

20

Peria Jerry, Ole Miss, DT

Trade From Dallas: Jerry will replace and upgrade the hole created by the departed Cory Redding.

B- Kevin Williams

W-Broderick Bunkley

10

21

Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State, TE

McNabb needs this for Philly to stay in the hunt. There are no wide outs available at 21 that pose good enough value to pass up the best TE in this draft.

B- Jason Witten

W-Algae Crumpler

-

22

Alex Mack, California, C

With Matt Birk gone, the Vikings must replace him with an equal to keep that explosive running game intact. Tough to do, but Mack can do it.

B- Andre Gurode

W-Matt Birk

-

23

Aaronn Maybin, Penn State, OLB

Slightly undersized backer who plays big with speed off the edge. The Pats OLB’s aren’t the youngest group in the league. Maybin will fit well in the New England 3-4, and produce some much needed sacks.

B- Shawn Merriman

W-Manny Lawson

-

24

Brian Cushing, USC, OLB

Cushing is a complete linebacker and will eventually replace aging Keith Brooking.

B- Lance Briggs

W-Scott Fujita

-

25

Larry English, Northern Illinois, OLB

This draft is not short on rush linebackers, and the Dolphins are thrilled. They have more pressing needs, but won’t find better value.

B- Joey Porter

W-Karlos Dansby

-

26

Derrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland, WR

Baltimore needs a speed receiver badly and are thrilled that DHB slides to 26.

Finally a speed receiver! Too late for Vince Young to benefit perhaps, but much needed to keep defenses honest against that potent rushing attack.

B- Steve Smith

W-Sinorice Moss

6

31

Chris Wells, Ohio State, RB

Filling a huge need, Arizona finally gets the power back with speed that should keep them in contention.

B- Larry Johnson

W-LenDale White

12

32

Eben Britton, Arizona, OT

Pitt fills a huge need and should be able to upgrade the right tackle spot immediately. Britton could develop into a solid left tackle in the future.

B- Jordan Gross

W-Ryan Diem

4

Round 2

Pos

Team

Player

Comments

Change

33

Robert Ayers, Tennessee, DE

Detroit looks to improve their D-Line again with Ayers, the best run stuffing 4-3 end in the draft with excellent pass rush ability. He could go as high as 18, to Chicago, but the “one year wonder” fear may keep him out of round one.

18

34

Darius Butler, Connecticut, CB

Trade From KC: Filling a huge need here, Butler is the most complete corner on the board.

-

35

James Laurinaitis, Ohio State, ILB

The Rams fill one of many needs in an attempt to bring respectability back to St. Louis. WR is likely if any of my first round guys slide. Otherwise, Laurinaitis is the best player on the board addressing their needs.

10

36

Brian Robiskie, Ohio State, WR

The Browns have a number of needs, but reliability at the wide receiver position will be critical for young Brady Quinn in 2009. Robiskie is polished and will be an excellent compliment to the inconsistent Braylon Edwards.

16

37

Jason Meredith, South Carolina, OT

Meredith is a fast riser who had an excellent combine. He can start day one on the right side, and will add depth on the left, protecting an injury-prone quarterback, and/or possibly an inexperienced one.

-

38

Duke Robinson, Oklahoma, G

The best guard in the draft with first round talent. A beast of a run blocker which will improve that sub-par offensive line. Robinson is the steal of the draft, to this point.

-

39

Louis Murphy, Florida, WR

The Jags have serious issues at wide receiver. Murphy is a 4.4 guy with good size at 6’2″. In my opinion, he’s a better NFL receiver prospect than Florida teammate, Percy Harvin.

45

40

Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech, DE

Johnson fits the Al Davis mold perfectly. He is a freakish athlete with a huge upside. Highly inconsistent performer and fairly weak against the run, but should be explosive rushing the passer.

22

41

Clint Sintim, Virginia, OLB

Sintim is the best rush linebacker on the board and fills a huge need for the converting 3-4 defense.

-

42

Max Unger, Oregon, C

The Bills fill a glaring hole with this pick. Unger will provide some stability inside for the Bills and can play anywhere between the tackles.

11

43

Clay Matthews, USC, OLB

Matthews is a versatile linebacker who can rush the passer. He ran a better 40 times than most of the rush linebackers that went ahead of him.

-

44

Louis Delmas, Western Michigan, S

Trade From Washington: Parcels and company draft another small school player with big talent. Delmas reminds me a little of a younger Bob Sanders. He needs to add some weight, but is a big hitter with range and ball skills.

-

45

Donald Brown, Connecticut, RB

Trade From New Orleans: Brown will have no problem filling the void at RB2 left by Derrick Ward. He is a complete back that will be a nice compliment to Jacobs.

8

46

DJ Moore, Vanderbilt, CB

Filling another hole in the secondary, Houston takes Moore to play opposite Duante Robinson. Best corner on the board at this point. Will be excellent in nickel or in zone.

7

47

Patrick Chung, Oregon, S

Trade From San Diego: Need pick to replace Rodney Harrison. Chung is in the same mold, a big hitter who plays smart.

-

48

Ron Brace, Boston College, DT

A dominant nose tackle is an absolute must when converting to the 3-4. We’ll find out if Brace will become a dominant player, but he will certainly occupy space.

-

49

Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma, OT

A mammoth tackle at over 340 lbs! He should start on the right side, opposite Chris Williams, from day one, bringing the “Bear” back to Chicago’s running game.

-

50

Cornelius Ingram, Florida, TE

Trade from Tampa Bay: With Winslow now gone, there is a glaring hole at TE. Cleveland nabs the tight end with the biggest upside in the draft. Had Ingram not missed the entire ’08 season, he would have been a top 15 pick. A solid combine reminded scouts who he was.

-

51

William Moore, Missouri, S

Dallas has more needs than in recent history to fill. No better place to start than by replacing hard hitting Roy Williams. Moore could be his clone.

5

52

Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma, WR

A solid wide receiver who runs precise routes and has consistent hands. Iglesias is an excellent open field runner and should be able to start at WR2 by mid season.

10

53

LeSean McCoy, Pittsburg, RB

Philadelphia needs to get younger at running back. With the departure of Buckhalter, McCoy will get substantial playing time in his rookie season, and could become the long term replacement for Brian Westbrook.

5

54

Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest, CB

The Vikings defense lacks corners with ball skills. Smith is probably the best “ball hawk” in the draft. Need pick.

-

55

Jared Cook, South Carolina, TE

Atlanta nabs a speed tight end with a huge upside. Cook is a better blocker than most realize and will give Matt Ryan another reliable red-zone target to go with Roddy White.

10

56

Andy Levitre, Oregon State, G

Some have him rated ahead of Duke Robinson as the top guard in the draft. He will join Jake Long on the left side in Miami. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams couldn’t be happier.

1

57

Mike Mickens, Cincinnati, CB

A physical corner in press coverage, Mickens was a four year starter for Cincinnati. At roughly 6’0″, 190 lbs, he has an excellent frame and should add weight. Injury concerns have caused his slide into the late second round.

5

58

Darry Beckwith, LSU, ILB

Tenacious heavy hitter. New England needs youth at depth at linebacker. In a couple years Becwith will make an excellent tandem with Jarod Mayo.

31

59

Paul Kruger, Utah, DE

Extremely high value pick. Kruger would have been a first rounder had he stayed in school another year. He could replace Julius Peppers, who obviously wants out of Carolina.

26

60

Chase Coffman, Missouri, TE

Finally the receiving tight end to replace Jeremy Shockey. The Giants weren’t the same team without Shockey. Coffman is a huge target at 6’6″ and will give Eli a reliable third down target.

-

61

Evander Hood, Missouri, DT

The Colts have to get stronger at the point of attack, on both sides of the ball. Hood is always in the backfield, and will improve that porous run defense while providing some added pressure on the passer. Perfect for Indy’s scheme.

-

62

Chris Baker, Hampton, DT

Imposing and athletic physical specimen who ran just over five flat in the forty and jumped over 35 inches…at a mere 328 lbs, replacing Albert Haynesworth.

15

63

Connor Barwin, Cincinatti, OLB

Barwin is a highly athletic and versatile player who lit up the scouting combine. A DE in college, Barwin could play both DE and rush linebacker in Arizona’s highly diverse scheme. Perfect fit for this team!

23

64

Rashad Johnson, Alabama, S

A highly intelligent player with great intangibles and superb ball skills. If the World Champions have a weakness on defense, free safety is it. Not anymore!

-

Round 3

Pos

Team

Player

Comments

Change

65

Herman Johnson, LSU, G

Johnson is a huge man, weighing in at his pro day at a slender 357 lbs (down from 382). This pick completes the Lions’ task of rebuilding the offensive and defensive lines.

2

66

Jarius Byrd, Oregon, CB

The Rams need quality corners and Byrd is an excellent value at 66 overall. He should be able to crack the starting lineup by mid-season at worst.

-

67

Troy Kropog, Tulane, OT

KC needs to solidify that offensive line. LT Branden Albert is a natural guard. Kropog could be the answer on the left side but will start on opening day on the right.

-

68

Keenan Lewis, Oregon State, CB

Lewis is a big physical corner at 6’0″ and 208 lbs. He is good in zone or bump, and will be great against the run as well. Need Pick.

-

69

Jason Phillips, TCU, ILB

Trade from Cleveland: I really like Phillips. He could be the most underrated prospect in the draft. Dallas needs to get younger at ILB. Phillips will do that and should contribute immediately.

-

70

Fenuki Tupou, Oregon, OT

An athletic tackle who can play multiple positions on the o-line. Tupou could start at right tackle immediately, while providing depth on the left side.

1

71

Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn, DT

Incredible value pick. Marks has had some off the field issues and some motor concerns, though he is wildly talented. Perfect for the Raiders!

12

72

Fili Moala, USC, DT

Excellent quickness. A gap penetrator who will pressure the quarterback. Played some 3-4 end in college, but at this point in the draft, he can be bulked up and could eventually become a dominant DT.

-

73

Shonn Greene, Iowa, RB

An awesome power runner with tremendous balance and vision. Greene continues to slide due to slow 40 times. Who cares?! He’ll be playing in a foot of snow anyway. Green Bay loves the big ten!

3

74

Xavier Fulton, Illinois, OT

Athletic tackle with good feet. Fulton drops due to injury concerns, but will add much needed depth at tackle for San Francisco.

-

75

Trevor Canfield, Cincinatti, G

Big physical guard with a mean streak. Canfield will try to fill the void left by Derrick Dockery’s departure.

-

76

Mark Parson, Ohio, CB

Trade from N.O.: Parson is an under-the-radar guy with big upside. He has excellent cover skills and is a sure tackler. Absolute need pick.

-

77

Jarron Gilbert, San Diego St., DT

A truly amazing specimen. At 6’5″ and 288 lbs, he ran a 4.87 at the combine. Gilbert was a DT in college but will play 3-4 end in Houston. Huge upside and should be drafted higher. Within two years, he should be starting and dominant.

4

78

Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin, G

LT may have lost a step, but interior line play is why he has been less productive. Urbik is a steal at 78, and will immediately add at least .2 to LT’s average per carry all by himself.

-

79

Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond, OLB

Raw talent with all the tangibles. Very fast off the edge but will need lots of work on technique.

-

80

Danell Ellerbe, Georgia, ILB

An excellent tackler who will provide athleticism and versatility. Injury concerns have him sliding, but lack of quality inside backers keep him in round three.

-

81

Nate Davis, Ball State, QB

There is no legitimate starting quarterback in Tampa right now. Davis will have a shot to play as a rookie, even as a third round pick.

12

82

Travis Beckum, Wisconsin, TE

Trade from Dallas: A need pick here. Beckum will be a solid NFL tight end and, like most of Detroit’s draft picks, he should start right away.

-

83

Asher Allen, Georgia, CB

Trade from NYJ: A good hitter and zone coverage guy. Could have gone much higher had his 40 time been better. Has experience as a returner also.

-

84

Sherrod Martin, Troy State, S

Mike Brown in done. Martin is another small school guy with lots of ability. He is a hitter and has that big play ability that Brown had is his prime.

-

85

Eric Wood, Louisville, C

Extremely high value pick. The deep and highly talented center class bears fruit in the third round for the Eagles. What a steal! There will be several instances like this in April, due to the overall depth of this draft.

Miami should finally be able to choose one of its two young quarterbacks, to go along with Chad Pennington, and let everyone else go. Pat White is a capable #3 quarterback who will maintain a “day job” as a wideout. Do I have to mention the Wildcat possibilities? Good receiver and save a roster spot. Good pick Bill!

-

88

Tyrone McKenzie, South Florida, OLB

McKenzie is a ferocious and intense player who is very versatile. The Ravens need depth at LB and McKenzie can play three different roles in their scheme.

-

89

Andre Brown, NC State, RB

I think this is a steal at 89, though some have Brown going later. If you watched the Senior Bowl, you know what I’m talking about. He is a 224 lb running back who can catch, block, and run. Had he played at Georgia, he’d easily be a first round back. Will add youth and depth for NE.

6

90

Chip Vaughn, Wake Forest, S

A very gifted athlete who was nothing but a playmaker in college. At over 220 lbs, Vaughn will replace future HOFer Lawyer Milloy. I actually have Vaughn rated as a second round pick unlike most. Great value here, if you asked me.

-

91

Gerald McGrath, Southern Miss, OLB

McGrath will add speed and depth the the Giants slow group of linebackers. He can play any of the three linebacker spots, but will need to add weight to be able to play every down. In a couple years, he could become a great pro.

-

92

Macho Harris, Virginia Tech, CB

A need pick here. Depth at corner is an issue for Indy, and Harris is a very physical corner, perfect for the Colts system. Speed concerns have him sliding, but excellent value at 92.

27

93

Alex Magee, Purdue, DT

At 6’3″, 298 lbs, Magee is an excellent gap penetrator who will get pressure on the quarterback. He may need to add about 15 lbs to play effectively every down. For a DT, that amounts to an average breakfast. Good developmental prospect.

4

94

Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas, C

Very tough football player and great center prospect who will eventually replace Kevin Mawae.

9

95

Antoine Caldwell, Alabama, C

First team All-American, ahead of Mack, Unger, and the rest. Caldwell is an extremely intelligent technician who will eventually help open holes in a much improved running game.

3

96

A.Q. Shipley, Penn State, C

Underrated prospect due to relatively small frame and short arms. Very intelligent player with fast motor. Great technician.

-

Check back often for frequent changes during the free agency period. Leave your questions or comments below. I will respond to as many as I can.